Learning Objective #1: Compare and contrast the development of the nurse practitioner role in New Zealand with other international models

Learning Objective #2: Analyze data about the implementation of the nurse practitioner role in aged care in New Zealand

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The role of Nurse Practitioner with prescribing rights is a relatively recent development in New Zealand. The first legal recognition of this role occurred in 2002. One particular scope of practice that has been developed is a Nurse Practitioner working with highly complex older adults in the community. Frailty and chronic illness challenge the healthcare system because it has traditionally focused on acute episodic illness. Advanced Nurse Practitioner skills are well suited to care for older adults with high needs because it incorporates a holistic nursing viewpoint. The Nurse Practitioner works in partnership with the inter-professional team and provides holistic gerontologic assessment and coordination of care for clients and their families. They are skilled in the detection and intervention of physical health decline, medication concerns, social isolation, functional deterioration and mental health issues thereby helping to increase quality of life for frail older adults. Research has shown that nurse practitioner care increases patient satisfaction, quality of care, and is very cost effective through reduction of acute care utilization. This presentation will describe an update of the New Zealand Nurse Practitioner and describe the role in aged care primary health. Outcome data regarding this new role in the New Zealand context will be presented. This includes data about the implementation of the role, common interventions and pre and post intervention health care utilization statistics of older adult Nurse Practitioner clients.